Go90 trial sparse on details, but could help Verizon counter AT&T/DirecTV combo
Verizon Wireless began initial trials of its mobile-first Go90 video service, rolling out a teaser website claiming a game-changing service.
The website is sparse on details, but does state the service is in “beta” and hints at a compelling offering.
Recent reports indicate the service will launch initially with a truncated content offering, including content from AOL, DreamWorks Animation SKG’s Awesomeness TV, Vice Media and Viacom.
Verizon Communications CFO Fran Shammo previously stated the carrier’s initial launch would likely be a limited offering in terms of content.
“This is a lineup that is really around all live-type news clips and sports and events, so very different than what anyone else is bringing to the marketplace,” Shammo explained.
The video service also is expected to take advantage of its LTE Multicast technology, which Verizon has been trialling for a couple of years at major sporting events. The technology allows the one-way streaming of video content to multiple devices using a smaller section of wireless spectrum than current video-streaming services.
Shammo said that new smartphones sold beginning late last year are embedded with multicast support, except for Apple’s iPhone lineup.
Verizon has been aggressively pursuing media content delivery through its Verizon Digital Media platform. The telecom giant purchased EdgeCast Networks in late 2013 to bolster its content delivery options.
Verizon Wireless’ move into mobile could also counter AT&T’s aggressive move in tying together its mobile service with its recently acquired DirecTV assets. The carrier has already begun to offer consumers bundled service options, with expectations that AT&T will eventually further integrate DirecTV’s video content with its cellular service.
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